Sheriff’s Patrol Services to Cities May Cost More

Nine cities served by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department may have to pay 19% more for law enforcement services, an increase they say would force them to cut back on public safety and other city services.

Sheriff’s officials say the proposed increase is needed to cover rising costs for things such as gasoline, salaries and employee benefits.

Nine cities -- Del Mar, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista -- are served by the department. Each is in the first year of a five-year contract, which allows the Sheriff’s Department to pass along cost increases.